Home For The Holidays

It's hard to believe that in just a week those of us in the U.S. will be stuffed with Thanksgiving turkey and then heading out to the stores to begin our holiday shopping. Have you even had the chance to make a Christmas, or Hanukah, or Kwanza list yet? I haven't.

Next week the AphroChic Holiday Guide will launch! It's something we do every year on the blog to help you find the best gifts for your design savvy family and friends. We will also be announcing some fantastic giveaways that are sure to make great stocking stuffers for those on your list.

The AphroChic Shop is also gearing up for holiday orders. If you order a pillow by December 1st, we promise that Santa will have it under your tree on December 24th. And for those who are wondering, yes, we do ship worldwide, and will make sure it gets to you in time.

So, get ready for some holiday assistance from AphroChic. We are planning to make the holidays extra fun for you!

Have a wonderful weekend!

{Image: Patrick Cline for AphroChic}

Defy Convention: Pal + Smith

I just read the very last issue of Metropolitan Home (so sad), and had to post about what I consider one of the most beautiful homes they have ever covered - the Southern California home of interior designer Melissa Palazzo of Pal + Smith. An ode to breaking all the rules and creating beautiful design, this family home is modern and colorful with a healthy mix of vintage and rustic pieces. I love it!



Each room is full of beautiful details that pop against the stark white walls. There is also a bit of quirkiness throughout the space. A traditional dining room table is placed on top of a kitschy zebra rug.



The bedroom features a rustic wood bed with clean lines, the complete opposite of the intricately carved Italian chair that sits beside it.



The juxtapositions are so unique and inspiring, filling the home with so much soul.



I will miss beautiful articles like this from Metropolitan Home. There final issue is a must-have. Look for this cover in stores, and make sure to keep this one for your collection. It's truly the end of an era.

{Images from Metropolitan Home}

The Laidback Experience

I have been blogging for two years now, and one of the biggest rewards is meeting people who have the initiative and drive to make their dreams a reality. It was a couple of years ago that I first spotted a collection of hip-hop inspired pillows by designer Tina Shoulders. Now, Tina is taking her company, Laidback Home, to the next level and I couldn't be happier for her!



This Saturday, Laidback will be launching a pop-up boutique and the launch of "The Laidback Experience", a show that features artists, designers, food and culture that has inspired the Laidback design philosophy. From now until December 19th, the show will feature design ideas, a holiday gift guide and advice on entertaining.

Visit the site to view the schedule and RSVP to be in the audience of The Laidback Experience. This is sure to be fun!

{Images: Laidback Home}

Iacoli & McCallister

I love these juicy colored cake plates from Iacoli & McCallister.  Their mini-pedestal SELECT collection comes in a number of candy coated hues. 



Each piece is made with a powder-coated brass candlestick holder with a hand-finished corian top.



Bright yellow, teal blue, hot pink and neon orange are the perfect pop of color to showcase your favorite cupcakes and desserts. 

So cute and fun, these pedestals are sure to make your next dinner party very lively.

Stylist Mariana Vera

I was perusing one of my favorite sites, Bernstein & Andriulli, and came upon the work of stylist Mariana Vera. Mariana has done prop styling for The New York Times, O at Home, and Town & Country magazine just to name a few.



Her styling is truly amazing. Her portfolio showcases how precise beauty can be. Whether highlighting a coffee pot or a vase, Mariana's work is exact and alluring.



Items are brought to life by natural elements like blooming flora, a small bowl of olives, or a slice of lemon in a beautiful crystal pitcher.



Mariana's work is such an inspiration. You can view more of her portfolio right here.

{Images: Bernstein & Andriulli}

Rest, Relaxation, Hammocks & High Tea

This weekend I would love to be right here. I wish I had a bathroom this gorgeous. I would literally live in it. Even if you don't have such a decadent bath, you should definitely take time this weekend to spoil yourself. I know we've all been working so hard, and we deserve a little pampering.



To get started on my pampered weekend, I am going to enjoy a gift sent to me from the wonderful Karen Young at Hammocks & High Tea. I wrote earlier this year about Hammocks' beautiful line of organic pillows. Now, Hammocks & High Tea has expanded their line of home goods and accessories to include a new line of organic balms and oils inspired by the Caribbean.



Ilha Organics is a wonderful collection of hand blended oils and balms that are made to rejuvenate the mind and the body. My favorite is Ambariano, which has a mix of vanilla oil, green tea leaves and amber resin. Yummy!

Have a wonderfully relaxing weekend everyone, and remember, take a little time to pamper yourself. You deserve it!

{Image: Living Etc.}

Nelson Pendant Reinvented in Color

Room & Board is known for carrying design classics. Eames chairs, Danish modern furniture and George Nelson lamps can be seen throughout the store. But I have to say, I have never seen anything like this. A new take on a modern classic, Room & Board recently released George Nelson bubble pendant lamps that have been softly colored in colors exclusive to R&B.



In subtle shades including mist and ivory, this reinvention of a mid-century modern icon is a complete success.



Each piece emits a soft light, perfect for hanging over the dining table, and even in color, will remain fresh and timeless. Check out these amazing new pieces right here.

Original Art: Modern Prints From Artistico

These modern prints by Greek artist Kostas Tsipos offer a fun take on traditional fairytales. The Popular Fairytale Series offers collages with bold text to describe the stories of Cinderella, Six Swans and The Blue Bird.



They would look perfect in a child's room, or can be enjoyed by anyone who loves a good tale.



You can find more bold prints at Artistico.  Happy Veteran's Day!

Moroso Binta Armchair

I love chairs. It's really an obsession. The Moroso Binta Armchair has to be one of my favorite chairs for 2009. It debuted at the Milan Furniture Fair earlier this year and left quite an impression. Part of Moroso's new M'AFRIQUE Collection, this is modern furniture that's devoted to African design.



Chairs from the collection are covered in traditional wax fabrics from the Continent. The shape is like an African wood carving, made modern with a soft rubber base.



I love the beautiful celebration of culture and global style present in each chair. Patterns are mixed and matched, and the end result is colorful seating that is sure to be the center of attention in any home.

We are seeing global style move beyond basic trends. This is high-end design integrated with African style, and it is absolutely beautiful. Read more about Moroso's M'AFRIQUE collection and its celebration of contemporary African culture right here.

{Images from Trendir}

20 Years of Elle Decor: Style and Substance

Elle Decor is celebrating its 20th anniversary! To celebrate they sent me a very nice surprise (so sweet of them), a copy of their new book Style and Substance: The Best of Elle Decor. All about timeless interiors that will remain chic and stylish no matter what the decade, the book features some of the most beautiful spaces that have been featured in Elle Decor over the years.


Manhattan apartment of decorator Albert Hadley


Dressing room of Jeffrey Weisman and Andrew Fisher of Fisher Weisman

Style and Substance includes photos from the homes of Sarah Jessica Parker, Monique Lhuillier, and Julianne Moore, and the work of some of our favorite designers, including Nate Berkus, Michael S. Smith and Charlotte Moss.


Jamie Cree and Marco Scarani's peri-winkle blue dining room


Home of Estee Lauder President John Demsey


Master bath of French stage designer Jean-Pascal Levy-Trumet

With a Style Guide and Sourcebook, Style and Substance is a must-have guide to chic and luxurious home decor that will stand the test of time.

{Images scanned by AphroChic}